[NFBO-Springfield] April 2022 Chapter Meeting Minutes

[Todd Elzey]

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

Springfield Chapter

May 21, 2022 Meeting Minutes



Attendees:



Todd Elzey

Aleeha Dudley

Debbie Baker

Mickie Cooper

Vickie Travis

Crystal McClain

Arlie Ray

Hans Wagner

Eric Duffy



 Crystal McClain presented the Treasurer’s Report. In April 2022 the
Chapter account had a beginning balance of $4216.95.  The chapter had
expenses of $155 in transportation expenses, $20 for the monthly PAC
donation to National, and $200 for a donation to the Ukraine relief concert.
The Chapter also had income of $20, $10 dues, and a $10 donation. This gave
the Chapter an April 2022 ending balance of $3861.95.  Macy moved to accept
the Treasurer’s report. Hans Wagner seconded the motion.  The Treasurer’s
report was approved without objection.



Todd Elzey submitted the Secretary’s report of the April 2022 meeting via
email. Aleeha Dudley moved to accept the Secretary’s report.  Crystal
McClain seconded the motion. The Secretary’s report was approved without
objection.



Constitution. Todd explained that the NFB Board of Directors has passed a
new policy directing Chapters to have consistent name formats. The desired
Chapter name format is National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, (Chapter
Name). The reasoning behind this policy change related to branding/name
recognition and ensuring consistency in Fictitious Business Name filings
with the State of Ohio. Todd indicated that the Springfield Chapter’s name
as it stands does not meet the new policy. Todd moved to officially change
the Chapter’s official name to National Federation of the Blind of Ohio,
Springfield Chapter to comply with the new policy. Mickie Cooper seconded
the motion.  The Constitutional amendment to change the Chapter’s official
name passed unanimously.



President Baker informed the Chapter that the planned outing to the Hartman
Rock Garden had been canceled. She explained that the venue did not have a
meeting place to accommodate the Chapter. In addition, there was a major
planting event scheduled at the garden at the same time. President Baker
also stated that See3D is working with the rock garden to create small 3d
models of the Gardens statutes so that blind patrons can gain an
understanding of what they look like despite being unable to explore the
statutes by touch because of their size.



President Baker also reported on the See3d fundraiser that she, Todd Elzey,
and Eric Duffy attended at Town Hall Restaurant in Columbus on May 4, 2022.
The fundraiser raised at least $1100. Attendees also got to see various 3d
models produced by the non-profit.



Todd announced that the Buckeye Bulletin had just been released. He
indicated that Eric and he had multiple articles in it.



President Baker discussed the idea of assisting Eric and Todd with the cost
of their attendance at the National Convention in July. Arlie Ray moved
that the Chapter provide $200 apiece in assistance. Mickie Cooper seconded
the motion.  The motion to provide Eric and Todd with $200 apiece for the
National Convention passed without objection.



The chapter also discussed the 4 National funds that chapters and
individuals can donate to support the work of the NFB. The Jernigan Fund
assists first-timer National Convention attendees. The White Cane Fund
provides resources to the NFB’s general fund. The SUN Fund is a “rainy day
fund” to provide the NFB with a financial cushion to weather unexpected
large expenses. The Tenbroek Fund covers the cost of the building
maintenance at the National Center. It is a tradition that Chapters,
Affiliates, and individuals donate to these funds leading into National
Convention. Treasurer Crystal McClain moved that the Chapter donate $50 to
each fund. Crystal also moved that the Chapter donate $50 to the NFB of
Ohio to help defray the NFB of Ohio’s donation towards National Convention
door prizes. Eric Duffy seconded the motion. The Chapter approved the
donation of $50 to each NFB National fund and $50 to the NFB of Ohio for
National Convention door prizes without objection.



The Chapter also discussed the planned fundraiser at Mother Stewart. The
event will be held on November 12, 2022. President Baker is hoping to have
blind performers at the event. She will reach out to J.W. Smith, and others
to see who is willing to perform.  Crystal talked about working with Kevin
at Mother Stewart to arrange for Food Trucks at the event and getting them
to contribute a little bit towards the fundraiser.  We also discussed the
possibility of having an auction as an additional way to raise money during
the event.



The Chapter also discussed having a Tech Fair in October 2022. There was a
discussion of whether a Tech Fair would have a market to justify the
effort.  We discussed tie-ins with Blind Equality Achievement Month and
White Cane Safety Day. We also discussed the potential of advertising the
Tech Fair to the surrounding area.  Arlie said he thinks he can get Clark
State to send out notices regarding the Tech Fair. Todd, Eric, Debbie,
Arlie, and perhaps Hans will work together to plan and coordinate the
event.



The Chapter also discussed a fundraising event with food trucks. We
discussed the potential to join the City of Springfield’s food truck event
through Rotary in August. The Chapter also discussed the potential of using
Tommy’s Double Barrel BBQ food truck as a vendor. Eric and Todd met the
owners of Tommy’s Double Barrel BBQ at an Alabama Concert.  President Baker
said that she had identified a band that may be willing to perform.  Arlie
and Crystal also said that they knew of a couple of Springfield based bands
to check with regarding possibly performing. We discussed possible venues
for the event. Including Snyder Park and Veterans Park (Veterans Park has a
stage and may allow drinking). Some venues are run through the Springfield
Arts Council and Todd agreed to find contact information for the Council.



President Baker discussed the April 2022 Presidential Release from National
President Mark Riccobono. The Presidential Release discussed the
availability of a sample letter regarding accessible technology issues.
The sample letter can be tailored to meet local needs.  Please let Lou Ann
Blake at National know about Social Security Administration office kiosk
accessibility Issues.  The Presidential Release also indicated that the
National Convention Rookie Roundup will be held at 8 PM July 5, 2022.  The
National Convention will be in-person and part of it will be virtual.

President Baker also stated that the 2022 Give 20 Campaign prize is a trip
to the 2023 National Convention in Houston Texas or $2000 in cash.
Individuals will receive 1 ticket in the drawing for each $20 donation made
to the Tenbroek, Jernigan, SUN, and White Cane Funds between now and the
National Convention.



NFB of Ohio Legislative Director Eric Duffy said that support is still
needed for the NFB’s Federal legislative proposals.  Per Eric SB 202,
Ohio’s Parental Rights legislation will have its 6th hearing before the
Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 3:00 P.M.



Eric also announced that he has been appointed to the Ohio State
Rehabilitation Council for OOD.  Eric was appointed by Governor Mike Dewine
to serve a two year term.



The Chapter’s next meeting will be June 18, 2022 and the Chapter will skip
a July meeting due to National Convention.



The meeting was adjourned.
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